Recent Autoweek "Confirmation"

Since the Compass concept debuted at NAIAS 2002, I have seen several publications "confirm" that the Jeep Compass has been green-lighted, soon to be added to Jeep's line up, but nothing official has come from Jeep. This article is the latest such confirmation. I don't doubt the validity of the information (although they do have a couple dates incorrect), I would just like to see something official from Jeep soon.

Jeep planning to build Compass crossover
Autoweek

Posted Date: 3/30/05

Jeep will go ahead with plans to build a production four-wheel-drive Compass crossover based on the 2001 concept vehicle. Positioned below Wrangler, the $20,000 five-seater will compete with Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Land Rover Freelander.

When it goes into production in 2007, the crossover will mark a big departure for Jeep by placing its emphasis more on versatility than Rubicon off-road ability. However, traditional design cues such as a vertical seven-slot grille and round headlamps will maintain the family resemblance.

The introduction of the Commander and Compass will boost the number of Jeep model lines to five, while a sixth model based on the Gladiator pickup concept shown at January's Detroit show.

The full Autoweek article can be found here.

Appearances

The Compass concept vehicle has been making the rounds to some of the auto shows around the country, not to mention a recent "Ride and Drive" event hosted by DaimlerChrysler (parent company of Jeep) where the press was invited to test out some of the company's concepts and upcoming production vehicles. I have yet to see it at our local show in Cincinnati bit maybe next year. Although by next year, I might be able to just go to the Jeep dealer lot and take a look at one. Anyway, below is an incomplete list of these appearances. If you know of others or have pictures of the Compass at your local show, let me know. I will keep this list updated as needed.

2002 North American International Auto Show
2002 Chicago Auto Show
2002 Geneva Auto Show
2002 (May) DCX Canada Ride & Drive Event at PMG Technologies Test Track
2002 Tampa Bay International Auto Show
2002 Paris Auto Show
2003 Barcelona International Motor Show
2003 Euro Camp Jeep (La Thuile, Italy)
2004 West Virginia International Auto Show
2004 Camp Jeep Virginia
2005 Nashville International Truck and Auto Show
2005 (March) Ride & Drive Event hosted by DCX
2005 Cleveland Auto Show
2005 New York Auto Show

Photo Gallery

Don't forget to check out the Photo Gallery. I have been collecting photos (and a little video) of the Jeep Compass concept since it debuted at NAIAS 2002. If you have any shots you would like to add to the gallery, email me.

Preliminary Specifications

These specs will definitely change a bit, considering the concept was built on a Liberty platform and the upcoming production version will not. But the numbers should be close.
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Powertrain
Engine:3.7-liter 90 V-6
Estimated Power:210 bhp. (157 kW)
Estimated Torque:235 lb.-ft. (319 Nm)
Transmission:Four-speed automatic transmission
Drive:All-wheel drive

Body & Suspension
Structure:Steel 'uniframe' body
Front Suspension:Independent with upper and lower 'A'-arms, coil springs, gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension:Live axle with trailing upper 'A'-arm, dual trailing lower arms, coil springs, gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Wheels:20" x 8.5"Tires:P235/55R20 Goodyear

Dimensions & Weight
Length:163.4 in. (4150 mm)
Width:72.2 in. (1834 mm)
Height:64.4 in. (1636mm)
Wheelbase:104.3 in. (2649 mm)
Track - Front/Rear:60.8 in. (1544 mm)
Ground Clearance:8.3 in. (211 mm)
Overhang - Front:28 in. (711 mm)
Overhang - Rear:31.1 in. (790 mm)
Est. Weight:3100 lbs. (1406 kg)

Estimated Performance
0-60 mph. (0-96 km/h):9 sec.
Top Speed:110 mph. (176 km/h)

Lets get started with the press kit...

Jeep Compass Concept Rallies for Freedom -- The Jeep Compass, in its world premiere at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is a concept that feels at home in an urban environment while possessing the free spirit of a performance rally car. Inspired by the 1998 Jeep Jeepster concept and built on a Jeep Cherokee platform, Compass also offers a great combination of on-road dynamics and off-highway capability. Aptly named Compass, this latest Jeep concept will be pointing consumers in its segment toward tomorrow.

Chrysler Group's Pacifica Advanced Design Center in Carlsbad, California, was tasked to design a Jeep concept for "millennials," the next large, emerging group of consumers in the USA, now age 24 or younger. This group will outnumber the "Baby Boomer" generation. The Jeep brand has the third highest percentage of "definitely consider" of all brands among those buyers, as shown by the 2001 Vehicle Experience Study.

"Millennials are looking for an authentic, affordable vehicle to carry their friends and gear," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design for the Chrysler Group. "They would prefer to have an exotic sports car, but those are not only out of their financial reach, but also don't offer enough room or flexibility. Knowing their preference for the Jeep brand, we created the Compass to exactly fit the bill: a capable compact SUV offering performance, cargo space and an attractive price."

Like a rally car, the two-door Jeep Compass has all-wheel drive, a short wheelbase and a low centre of gravity to hug the road. Compass features a lightweight steel "uniframe" construction and a 157 kW (210 bhp), 319 Nm (235 lb.-ft.), 3.7-litre PowerTech V-6 engine, offering ample power whether travelling on pavement, gravel, dirt or snowy city streets.

"The 'G Force Green' exterior paint is reminiscent of a military colour scheme," said Michael Castiglione, exterior designer for the Jeep Compass at Pacifica. "The exterior and interior colours convey a mature, honest integrity and are steeped in Jeep authenticity." Adds Pacifica's Jordan Meadows: "Even as the instrument panel looks like the cockpit of a fighter jet with technical dials and gauges -- and of course a compass -- we have kept the interior styling simple, uncluttered and functional."

Slot machine-style rotating controls operate all primary functions, while the gauges are reminiscent of traditional watch faces, and the air vents have classic aeronautical design. A sturdy grab handle covers the width of the instrument panel, as a visually strong "backbone" runs throughout the entire interior. This design element is mirrored by a full-length overhead console. The instrument panel features a multi-functional docking station with LCD screen.

Four bucket seats offer all occupants a command-of-the-road seating position, comfort and support. The seats are trimmed in green leather and Goretex with "G Force Green" soft touch grommets. The rear buckets fold to create a flat loading surface, executed in low-gloss stainless steel with integrated tie-downs in the side trim. True to its Jeep heritage, the interior features a moulded rubber floor. The spare tyre is incorporated into the rear hatch.

Jeep Compass conveys an expressive personality in its exterior design with details such as fender length running lights, and stainless steel brush guard and sill panels with the Jeep name. The roof features a unique diamond plate textured liner with integrated tie-downs, developed to take the abuse of any type of hauling.

"Our goal was to make the Jeep Compass rugged, durable and able to take a beating at all the typical scuff zones," Castiglione said. "You can play hard and be rough on this vehicle and its exterior holds up, giving the driver total freedom to go anywhere, do anything. After all, it is an authentic Jeep vehicle - right down to its seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches."

Jeep Compass